Alcohol awareness
Stay healthy while still enjoying a drink every now and then.
Article by : SpunOut.ie
Even knowing the dangers of drinking, many of us still get hammered fairly often. It's easy to say "never again" when you've got the hangover from hell but much more difficult by the following weekend. So, if you're going to drink then learn how to minimize the damage:
- Eat before you start drinking. This slows down the rate that alcohol is absorbed into your body. Watch out for pub snacks though, the salt will make you thirstier.
- Drink slowly! Don't gulp down three pints in an hour just because you've had a tough day at work. Binge drinking (six or more drinks in one session) is a huge problem in Ireland and it is dangerous for you health.
- If you feel yourself getting drunk then slow down or stop until you sober up again. It means that at the end of the night you've less chance of being the drunken eejit with vomit on their clothes.
- You've heard it a hundred times, but drink lots of water or a non-alcoholic drink while you're drinking alcohol. Before you go to bed, drink as much water as you can. It will stop you getting too dehydrated (that's what causes the hangover headache).
- Don't accept drinks from strangers and don't steal drinks from other tables. Spiked drinks are too common a danger nowadays to take such risks.
- Make sure you've got a safe way to get home.
- Keep an eye on friends. If any of them are really pissed, make sure they get home safely and don't let them do anything too crazy!
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
